Tuesday, November 06, 2012

Outlander Comes to Cable TV

Ok, so who is going to play Jamie Fraser, that gallant, redheaded young Scottish warrior who captured the hearts of millions in the Outlander series of books? Dateline Hollywood has just announced that Starz has closed a deal to develop a series based on Diana Gabaldon's genre-bending books. Sony Pictures TV aquired the rights in the summer and is behind the project.

The Outlander series has sold more than 20 million copies, and has developed a passionate fan base who follow the exploits of Claire and Jamie through seven volumes -- and a new book is due out next year. Gabaldon's unrivaled storytelling melds history, romance, science fiction, and adventure into a delicious brew.

For those unfamiliar with the books, Outlander starts out in 1945 Scotland where WWII combat nurse Claire Randall and her husband, Frank, are enjoying a second honeymoon. Claire accidentally steps through an ancient henge and is whisked back to 1743 Scotland, right in the middle of a battle between the British and the Scots. When Claire is forced to marry the chivalrous young Jamie Fraser, she is torn between the memory of her 20th-century husband and the 18th-century warrior who has ignited her passion.

Fans have been waiting for years to see this series turned into a film or TV series. Because of the depth and breadth of Gabaldon's books, I'm happy to see it adapted as a series. Outlander has been my all-time favorite book since it debuted 21 years ago, so I look forward to the series with great anticipation. If you haven't read the book yet, don't be put off by its size. This is one book you'll be unable to put down until you've devoured the very last page!